Connecticut's General Assembly has sent to the governor legislation making electronic distracted driving a moving violation. Insurance companies would be alerted to any offenses, allowing them to raise the premiums of violators. State lawmakers also sent to the governor on June 5 a plan to hike fines for electronic driving. The idea is to see that offenders "get hit in the pocketbook," said the head of the Transportation Committee. "To some individuals, it may sound drastic, but in my opinion, it's not drastic enough," said the chairman, Rep. Tony Guerrera (pictured). He called the … [Read more...]
Herzog looks at a texting tragedy
June 2, 2013 by 1 Comment
Werner Herzog is no stranger to grim subjects, having created the documentaries "On Death Row" and "Grizzly Man." A British newspaper recently cited the German film director's "50 years of potent, inspiring, disturbing films." Herzog was behind the camera for a rare commercial, a short but stunning PSA for AT&T's "It Can Wait" texting & driving campaign. Herzog says nothing during the clip, contrary to his style, and lets the mother of a paralyzed boy do the talking. "His legs are gone, he is paralyzed from the diaphragm down," the mother before the camera reveals Xzavier, confined to … [Read more...]
Ohio 39th state to ban texting, driving
June 1, 2012 by 1 Comment
Ohio became the 39th state to ban texting, as Gov. John R. Kasich signed a distracted driving measure into law. The ban takes effect 90 days after the June 1 signing, at the end of August. A six-month warning period will follow in which police will not write tickets but may make stops. The new Ohio law has two levels of enforcement: There is secondary enforcement for adults who text messaging while driving. This means that police need another reason to stop and cite violators, such as speeding. For drivers under the age of 18, however, texting and use of other portable electronic devices … [Read more...]
Ohio OKs weakened texting law
May 16, 2012 by 2 Comments
Ohio's long-running debate over distracted driving reached a major turning point as legislation banning texting and driving advanced to a receptive governor. The measure, however, did not succeed without controversy. The Senate heavily amended the original House proposal, limiting most enforcement to secondary status. The House went along, and House Bill 99 was sent to Gov. John Kasich, who indicated he would sign it. The law goes into effect 90 days after Kasich's approval. A warning period will begin at that time, with ticketing on hold for six months. The fine is $150. Ohio most likely … [Read more...]
No. 38: Alabama bans texting & driving
May 9, 2012 by 4 Comments
Starting Aug. 1, text messaging while driving will be illegal in the state of Alabama. Gov. Robert Bentley signed off on the distracted driving legislation May 8. The law was a long time coming. The bill's author is state Rep. Jim McClendon, left, one of the nation's most persistent lawmakers when it comes to distracted driving. McClendon, R-Springville, saw his distracted driving legislation rejected or ignored at least six times. In 2011 and 2012, McClendon's texting and driving bills cleared the House only to die in the Senate. This year, the Senate played ball. A compromise deal was … [Read more...]
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